Gagetown ferry out of service for the winter

The Gagetown ferryhas closed for the 2015season as part of its reducedschedulingprogram put in place by the provincial government.

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The free cable ferry, whichcrosses the St. John River betweenGagetownand LowerJemseg,is no longer allowed to operate during the winter.

"Vessel shall not operate in ice," is among the terms and conditions listed onits inspection certificate from Transport Canada.

"Certificate short-termed pending strategic review of operations by New Brunswick Department of Transportation," it states.

Sunday saw the final cars shippedacross the St. John River. Staff say the ferry will winter downriver and isscheduledto return in the spring.

Some workers have voiced concern about thelikelihood of the ferry returning in the spring of 2016due to budget cuts.

The ferry has been operating since July after an estimated $100,000 in repairsafter it was deemed unseaworthy by the Department of Transportation.

Ferry service in that region has been uncertain for some time.The former Shawn Graham government announced in 2009-10 that it would axe the Gagetown ferry, among others.

Following a local lobbying blitz, the Graham government backed down and instituteda reduction in service, rather than eliminatetheferry.

The current government has said the service will be examined as part of its strategic program review.The results of the review wereannounced on Nov. 27, but there's beenno word yet on the future of the ferry.